Saturday, July 29, 2017

An Interview with Author L.E. Hutchinson

From Logan, Ohio, meet Author L.E. Hutchinson! L.E.’s first book
Footprints in the Dust (Monday Creek
Publishing) was launched earlier this year. Now, with her first book in the
hands of readers, she is on a book tour throughout southeastern Ohio. Visit with L.E. at the historical Sherman House, Lancaster, Ohio, Sunday, August 6, from 2-4 p.m...

Welcome L.E.!

GM: What is the premise for your new book Footprints in the Dust and who is your target audience?

LEH: The setting takes place in Putnam County, Ohio, during the
Civil War era, 1860 - 1865. The main character is Sylvester Wilson Jeffrey, who
is known as S.W. throughout the book. The basic concept is how one family
struggled through hard times, love, and despair during the Civil War.

The Target Audience is for adults and young adults.

GM: How much of your own life is intertwined into your writing?

LEH: Based on the many stories that my Grandmother shared with
me about her father (my great-grandfather), as well as stories about her own
childhood, I wanted to write a book to widen and expand my love of family.

GM: Considering all of your characters, who is your favorite
character?

LEH: All of the characters seemed real to me and were of great
value in the story. I really enjoyed writing about Lily and the
dangers she faced as she plotted and planned the escape of the two slave women
and many of her other brazen acts. S.W. had to be my favorite as he was
the lone survivor of the war.

GM: How do you maintain thoughts, ideas, and scenarios for
future novels/books?

LEH: I have so many ideas floating around in my head right
now. Some ideas stick in my head like glue while other ideas need to
be jotted down. Lots of research and bouncing ideas around to get feedback
from other people always helps and keeps me grounded.

GM: Who are your favorite writers/authors?

LEH: Dorothy Garlock, Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, John
Steinbeck, Carolyn Keene, (all the ghost writers for the Nancy Drew Series), but most of all
Louisa May Alcott for writing Little
Women.

LEH: Don’t quit writing. Don’t quit dreaming. To
young people, keep a journal, a diary, write letters, send letters or make
your own cards to send to your friends and family. In spite
of all the new technology most folks love getting personalized notes and
cards. There’s power in the written word.

GM: In a nutshell, and as a writer, what is your philosophy of
life, living, and the pursuit of happiness?

LEH: Keep busy, keep moving, be constructive, think positive
thoughts, be that person who inspires other people, show kindness and bring joy
to those around you. Use your voice, your words, your smile, your human touch,
(a pat on the back, a hug, a handshake, a kiss on the cheek). Your
good deeds will always come back to you in unexpected ways.